The Brazilian port sector's throughput fell 3,29% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, with a total of 513 million tons, the government reported.
According to data released by the National Agency for Water Transport (Antaq), private terminals handled 337 million tons of cargo in the first half of the year, 4,04% less than in the same period last year, while public terminals handled 176 million tons, 1,83% less.
Antaq noted that of the nine main ports in Brazil, eight had lower cargo movement in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.
Among the private ports, the one in Ilha Guaíba (state of Santa Catarina, south) was the one that had the biggest drop (37,83%), and among the public ports, it was the one in Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro, southeast), with a drop of 11,05%.
Solid grains were the main product transported in Brazilian ports in the first half of the year, with 314,6 million tons, 6,80% less than in the annual comparison, followed by liquid grains, with 115,9 million tons (2,58% more).
There was also growth in the movement of containers (3,72%) and general cargo (2,76%), with 55 million and 27,3 million tons respectively.
Among the most transported goods in Brazilian ports, corn stood out, with 9,2 million tons between January and June, 116,53% more than in the same period last year. Oil moved 102,8 million tons, 4,22% more than in the first half of 2018.
The main declines were recorded in iron, with 16,5 million fewer tonnes, or 8,9% less, and soybeans, with a reduction of 8,09% or 5,3 million fewer tonnes.
Antaq attributed the lower movement to the weaknesses of the Brazilian economy and the contraction of the global economy.
"The drop in movements in the first half of 2019 was directly motivated by the decrease in iron shipments, which is the merchandise with the highest gross weight moved," said Antaq.
Source: Xinhua
Port sector moves 513 million tons in the first half of 2019 – https://t.co/KR8GDqTur5
— ANTAQ (@ANTAQ_oficial) September 26, 2019
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